Rhonald's parents live in a cabin on the Little Red River - it really is one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas.
Somehow Rhonald got Cole to kiss this fish...yuck!
So, this is on the country road where Rhonald's parents live...from one driveway to the next...but to Cole it was like the Indy 500.
Fishing with live crickets...a 3 year old boys dream!
In a word, the Searcy men are fishermen. It began a long, long time ago and continues on to the youngest of Searcy men. The first time that Rhonald and I spent time together alone (11 years ago) we went fishing. When Rhonald or his dad need time to think or relax they go fishing. Rhonald's grandpa used to take him to school every morning when he was growing up but before school they would go look at the river. Rhonald's grandpa held the state record for the largest catfish caught on rod and reel for many years (86 lbs). Fishing is apart of daily life. I knew when I found out I was having a baby boy 4 years ago that I was also giving birth to a fisherman. It is in their blood. When Cole could barely walk he would toddle in to Rhonald's office and look at his fishing books or watch Rhonald tie flies for fly fishing. He knows every kind of fly Rhonald uses and loves to help Rhonald organize all of his fishing gear. It was never pushed on him or taught to him...he gravitated toward it. For Father's day we bought Rhonald some new things for fishing. When we were in the local fly shop Cole said to the store owner and salesman, "When I grow big like you I'm going to work here and drive a cool car." To which the owner replied, "Cole, I may just sell you this place." Cole loves to fish any chance he gets...and he really loves to fish with his Daddy and Paw Paw. Most 3 year olds wouldn't have the patience but Cole will sit out there for hours. It is so amazing to see the bond they all share. My only regret is that Rhonald's Grandpa is not here to witness it. He would have adored fishing with Cole, just as he adored fishing with Rhonald. Who knows where it will take him but the love Cole has for the river and the outdoors is unlike any I have seen in a boy his age. I know it makes the older Searcy men very proud!
2 comments:
That last one of Cole with his cap on backwards and his rod bent is pretty cool. Bring 'em in, Cole!
That comment was by Uncle Mark by the way. The only thing I'm not sure is his GAP cap. I'll need to set him up with a John Deere.
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